Beresford Helming Mao’s Last Dancer

The book is the autobiography of Li Cunxin, a Chinese peasant-turned- ballet dancer who ultimately defected. The novel was first published in 2003 and has been sold in 20 countries. The screenplay is by Jan Sardi, who previously scripted Shine.

Beresford’s name has been attached to several projects that have yet to enter production, including another film set in China, A Dream of Red Mansions, with Kate Hudson tipped to star.

Filming on “Dancer” will begin in February in locations that include Australia and the U.S. One-third of the film will be shot in China.